Camping, trails, maps & photo credits — Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park has a rich cultural past. The grand architecture of our historic bathhouses is equally matched by the natural curiosities that have been drawing people here for hundreds of years. Ancient thermal springs, mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes, and abundant creeks – all in the middle of town – make Hot Springs National Park a unique and beautiful destination.
Camping & reservations
The booking button opens the official provider or park-specific camping instructions published by the NPS. Select the named campground and verify its dates, access and site rules.
Gulpha Gorge Campground ↗
Camping at Gulpha Gorge Campground costs $34 per night for all sites. All sites have full hookups: 30 and 50 amp electric, water and sewer connections. Sites are not pull-through. Each campsite has a picnic table, pedestal grill, and water. Camping in Gulpha Gorge Campground is limited to a total of 14 consecutive days and a cumulative total of 30 days in any calendar year. Each 14 day consecutive stay must be followed by a minimum of a 7 day break.
Reservations: All sites are now available to reserve up to 6 months in advance. Please follow the instructions on Recreation.gov to obtain a campsite.
Reservations / current camping instructions ↗
RV / truck camping: RV's and trailers are both allowed at all of the campsites at Gulpha Gorge. The maximum allowed length is 60 feet, and includes vehicle length. Each campsite has full hook ups for electricity, water, and waste. NPS lists an RV maximum of 60 feet. Trailer maximum: 60 feet. Confirm the exact site and current approach.
Approach: Paved Roads - All vehicles OK.
Fires: • Fires are permitted in fire grills provided at each camp site and at designated sites the picnic area. • Self-contained portable stoves or grills may be used when off the ground and away from overhanging vegetation. • Ground fires are prohibited throughout the park, except in fire rings provided at camp sites in the campground. • Fires in the group fire ring at the Gulpha Gorge Campground…
Site rules: • Camping or staying overnight is permitted only in designated sites in Gulpha Gorge Campground. • Camping is limited to a total of 14 consecutive days and cumulative total of 30 days in any calendar year. Each 14 day consecutive stay must be followed by a minimum of a 7 day break. • Each camping group must register and pay a fee on Recreation.gov for all days that a campsite is occupied. Camping groups must register prior to site occupancy. • Checkout time is 12:00 p.m. • Check in time is 2:00 p.m. • Quiet hours are 8 pm to 9 am. (No generator use, loud music, etc.) • Maximum occupancy is…
Truck-camping & permitted overnight use
NPS lists RV access at Gulpha Gorge Campground. RV's and trailers are both allowed at all of the campsites at Gulpha Gorge. The maximum allowed length is 60 feet, and includes vehicle length. Each campsite has full hook ups for electricity, water, and waste.
Backcountry camping and vehicle camping require park-specific authorization; National Park Service land is not generally open to unrestricted roadside camping. Confirm designated sites, permits and food-storage rules with this unit.
Activities, hiking & trails
Hiking. Official activities and trail-planning information ↗
NPS-listed recreation: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Biking, Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, RV Camping, Fishing, Food, Dining, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Park Film, Museum Exhibits, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store, Gift Shop and Souvenirs.
Maps & road access
Use the official NPS directions and current alerts. Check vehicle restrictions and campground approach roads before traveling.
From Little Rock: Take I-30W towards Texarkana. Exit 111 for US 70W/Hot Springs. Turn Right onto Spring St. Turn Right onto Central Ave. Drive North, the Park will be on the right after Reserve St. From Texarkana: Take 1-30E. Exit 78 for AR-7 and turn left under the highway. Follow AR-7 North for 31 miles. AR-7 becomes Central Ave., the Park will be on the right after Reserve Street. Official directions / site access ↗
Before you travel
Average temperatures in Hot Springs can range from about 90°F (32°C) to less than 27°F (-2.7°C). Summer days can be hot and humid, with heat index values up to 110ºF (43ºC). Winter wind chills can make temperatures feel much colder, as low as 15ºF (-9.4ºC). Spring and fall typically have the most rainfall. Generally, Hot Springs experiences mild weather throughout the year.
Source review: 2026-11-01. Conditions, fees, permits and availability can change. National Park Service official information ↗
Photograph sources & licensing
Banner: Bathhouse Row
Visitors and patients come to take the thermal waters
Credit: NPS photo. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Second large photograph: Bridge with fall colors
The park is beautiful year round
Credit: NPS photo Mark David Artist In Residence 2015. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Photographs are real images of the named unit; no AI-generated photographs are used. Federal photo credit register.